System



(No Model.) V 5 SheetsSheet 1.

- H. HOLLE'RITH.

ELEGTRIGAL CALCULATING sYsTBM. No. 518,604. Patented Apr. 24, 1894.

(No Model.) j 5 Sheets-Sheet 2.

H. HOLLERIT'H. v V ELEGTRIOAL GALGULATING' SYSTEM. I No 518,604;Patented Apr. 24,1894.

( No Model.) 5 ISheetsSheet 3.

' H. -H LBRITH.

ELECTRICAL ULATING SYSTEM.

No. 518,604. 7 Patented Apr. 24, 1894.

iiix

(No Model.) 5 Sheets-Sheet 4.

II. HOLLERITH.

ELECTRICAL GALGULATING SYSTEM.

No. 518,604. Patented Apr. 24, 1894.

(No Modem 5 Sheets-Sheet 5.

H. HOLLERITH,

I ELEGTRIOAL CALCULATING SYSTEM. No. 518,604. Patented Apr. 24, 1894.

' Ag M27096 UNrrEn STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HERMAN HOLLERITH, OF WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

ELECTRICAL CALCULATING SYSTEM.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent IlTo. 518,604, dated April24, 1894.

Application filed December 9, 1892. Renewed September 22, 1893. SerialNo. 486,255. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HERMAN HOLLERITH, of Washington, District ofColumbia, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inElectrical Calculating Systems; and I. do hereby declare the followingto bea full, clear, and exact description of the same, reference beinghad to the accompanying drawings,

forming apart of this specification, and to the figures and letters ofreference marked thereon.

This invention relates primarily to improvements in the electrical andmechanical features of a calculating system, such as that patented to meJ nne 24, 1890, No. 430,804, and it consists in certain new and improvedforms, combinations and arrangements of the elements comprising theintegrator and switching mechanism and the circuit connections, all ashereinafter fully described and pointed out.

Referring to the accompanying drawings: Figurel is a front elevation;Fig. 2 a top plan view; Fig. 3 an end elevation, and Fig. t a sectionalview of my improved integrator. Fig. 5 is a detail view showingarrangement of trip mechanism. Fig. 6 is an end view partly in sectionof the switch mechanism. Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic view showingarrangement of contacts and circuit connections. Fig. 8 illustrates arecord card prepared for application to the switch mechanism.

Similar letters and numerals of reference in the several figuresindicate the same parts.

The present system includes the three principal'or characteristicfeatures of my prior patented system, to wit, a series of electricallycontrolled counters or registers A, each included in a separate circuitor branch; an integrator B, capable of producing in each of a series ofconductors a different series of electrical impulses or interruptions;and a switch mechanism 0 controlling communication between the severalconductors of the integrator and the several registers.

,The switch mechanism is actuated to automatically set the designatedcircuits by means of a record card provided with perforations, disposedaccording to a prearranged plan, and interposed between the sections ofthe switch mechanism, all substantially as explained in my beforementioned prior patent.

My improved switch mechanism 0 is patterned after the one described inmy patent, No. 395,781, in that it is composed of a fixed bed plate 0'provided with insulated contacts or terminals cm the form of mercurycups or equivalent contacts, and a movable platen (J carrying yieldingpins or contacts 0 The movable platen is provided with suitable guidingand supporting means, and is held normally retracted, while a lever orother actuating device is arranged for advancing the platen, to projectthe contacts 0 toward and into engagement with the contacts a.

The record card is interposed between the two sets of contacts .0, a sothat as the platen is advanced only those of the movable contacts orpins a standing in line with perforations in the record card will bepermitted to engage contacts 0, and thus close the circuits with whichthey are connected, all other contacts being held back and the circuitsopen by the interposition of the material of the record strip or card. i

The contacts a are electrically connected in groups numbered l to 9inclusive (see Fig. 7) and the contacts or pins 0 are also connected ingroups numbered 4 to 24: inclusive, there being at least nine contacts 0in each group so arranged and disposed that one contact of each of saidgroups will be op posite one contact 0 of each group 1 9 Each group ofcontacts 1"-9 is connected to one of the contacts b'-b of the integratorB, while each group of contacts 4-24 is connected to the circuit wire orconductor aof one of the registers A, the opposite ends of the severalregister circuits being connected to a conductor a containing agenerator D and terminating at a contact b of the integrator. Instead offorming permanent connections between groups l"-9 (the movable contactsof the switch) and the several register circuits at, the formerterminate in pins or contacts 0 carried by the movable platen andcooperate with contacts 0 in the bed plate, said contacts lying outsidethe record card, when in place, so as to always close the circuitswhether any of the other contacts in the same group are permitted topass the card or not. This arrangement. is much better than one in whichthe connections between the contacts upon the movable platen and theregister circuits are made through more permanent though flexibleconductors, as it avoids the necessity for connecting and fastening theconductors, obviates breakage of the connections, and facilitates theremoval and replacement of the platen. I

It is essential that the record cards should be properly located inposition beneath the movable platen before the latter is depressed, asotherwise the perforations designating the values or other itemspertaining to that record will not be brought into position to actuatethe corresponding contacts of the switch mechanism. In my prior patentend and side gages-were provided for this purpose, but ex perience hasdemonstrated that even with such aids the record cards are liable attimes.

to be displaced or improperly located, resulting in the production offalse records or at the least imperfect ones. Experience has also shownthat when the circuits are completed and interrupted, that is to say,when the final closing and opening of the circuits through the generatoris accomplished by the insertion I earlier system, I provide themovable. platen and withdrawal of the pins or contacts carried l by themovable platen, the sparking which takes-place upon the breaking of thecircuits is not. only destructive of the electrodes, but it tends toreduce their capacity for accuracy and certainty, the oxide interferinggreatly andsat times preventing contact. To overcome these and otherdefects'incident to my with four additional or supplemental contactsnumbered 3, 25,27, and 28, of which the three first have to do with theproper location of the record cards on or'in, the switch mechanism.Contacts 3 and 25 occupy positions along one edge of the platen,opposite the side gage or gages, and just beyond the margin of therecord strip when in position; while contact 27. is located at one endjust beyond the end of the record card opposite the end gage. As thusarranged if the record card is properly located it will not interferewith the descent'of any of the contacts, but if shifted out of properposition, it will lie in the path of one or more of the contacts andprevent further advance on the part of the contact I "tact 28 on thebase; it-, too, is located in the thus engaged. These three contacts 3,24 and 27 are located in the same circuit, and all three must be incontactwith the opposite electrodes or contacts 3*25 and 27 to close thecircuit, hence if any one is held back the circuit will remain open andthe apparatus inactive, as said contacts are located in what may betermed a master or starting circuit, which, in the present instance,includes the devices for setting in motion the integrator throughwhichthe several operating circuits extend. The contact 28 is also carried bythe movable platen and co-operates with a conmaster circuit and isadjusted to effect the final closing and first opening of the circuit inwhich it'is located, so that all the sparking in that circuit will occurat this one point where it can be most easily controlledand itsinjurious efiects provided against. In the present instance the contacts28, 28 are located in the circuit including the card positioningcontacts 3, 25, 27, and the trip or starting mechanism of theintegrator, but it might, with the same effect, be located at any pointin the line between the generator and switch mechanisms for relievingand protecting the contacts thereof. 1

The integrator.-The integrator is an apparatus for producing in each ofaseries of conductors leading to groups 1 --9 a difierent' number ofelectrical impulses of. such'form, duration and character as toaffectthe registering devices to advance them as many steps or units asthere are electrical impulses sent over the particular circuit at thetime including the particularre'gister. Inthepresentexamplethe contactsb--b representing terminals of the groups of contacts l '-9 are arrangedto be engaged intermittingly by a series of contacts or bars b on acylinder B a contact I) constituting the opposite terminal of thecircuit or circuits co-operating with said contacts to alternately closeand open the circuit through the generator. The contacts Z7 of which twoor more sets are arranged upon the one cyl-- contacts b'fb thusproducing a more uniform action or resistance to the rotation of thecylinders. The contacts b are so arranged and disposed upon the cylinderthat b being engaged by nine contacts Z9 To equalize the resistance torotation the contacts Z2 are so arranged that the first five will'engagecontacts b to 12 inclusive; after this fifthcontact the series on theleft diminish in length, and, at the same time, a new series ofgradually increasing length is begun on the right. Thus as 1) passes offhaving completed its series, 1) begins to contact,

and as b drops off'during the next period of advance, 12 comes on and soon as oneis dropped, having completed its series, another takes itsplace.

The ultimate effect produced by one complete movement of the integratoris thesame as in my prior patent, N 0. 130,804, that is to say, thecurrent entering through contact 11 is transmitted, "intermittingly,through the contacts bb and each of said last named contacts receives adifferent number of electrical impulses, the series including from 1 to9. If, now, any of the circuits through the switch mechanism are closedthrough the registers, the latter will be advanced as many points asthere are pulsations produced in its circuit; and the number ofpulsations is governed by the record card which places any one of thecontacts b'b in communication with any one of the registers.

The contacts bb are conveniently mounted and adjusted as follows: Upon ashaft 19 are pivotally supported a series of insulating blocks orsections 11 to each of which is socured a lever 17 carrying a metallicstrip or brush whose end is in position to be engaged by the contacts onthe cylinder B The rear end of the lever 12 is upheld by a spring Z2against an adjusting nut b traversing a bolt '1) mounted in or upon aninsulated support. By turning the screw or not the lever is depressed,to advance the brush, the spring serving to hold the lever against theadj usting member, and causing it to follow the latter as the same isretracted. The cylinder B stands normally with the contacts b-b oppositethe space between contiguous strips or contacts 5, the circuits throughthe switch and registers being thereby opened, and before the integratoris started into action the switch mechanism is operated to close theappropriate circuits through the registers, remaining in this positionuntil the integrator completes its movement and is again arrested. Thesparking resulting from the alternate closing and opening of thecircuits, all takes place between the contacts of the integrator,

which, being movable one upon the other, are

thus kept free from oxide and in operative order.

It is desirable that the integrator should be put in action as soon asthe desired circuit connections shall have been made in or by the switchmechanism, and to accomplish this result, automatically, 1 have suppliedit with a detent or starting and stopping mechanism and placed thelatter under the control or in connection with the switch mechanism, sothat when the switch is operated to set the circuits the integrator willbe at once set in action.

An actuating or master circuit E supplied with current from a generatorand including an actuating electro-magnet e is provided with a contactmaker whose movementis controlled by the platen of the switch or somepart connected therewith, so that when the platen is actuated to closethe switch-circuits the actuating or master circuit will be affected ina manner to cause the release and advance of the integrator cylinder. Inthe present example contact 28 is arranged to perform this office, andit may operate either in conjunction with or independent of the gagecontacts 3, 25, and 27. It will beremembered that contact 28 is arrangedto close with circuit will not become operative to start the integratoruntil after the register circuits have first been closed through theswitch; nor

will the-actuating circuit be closed unless the cord is properly placed,owing to the arrange- 4 ment of the card gages 3, 24: and 27 in theactuating circuit.

Any appropriate form of motor and detent for the integrator cylinder maybe employed, and I have illustrated, as an example, a train of gearinggoverned by a scape wheelfand pallet f 'and driven by a weight suspendedby a cord from a drum f Gears f ,f of the gear train are in this examplesecured to the shaft 19 of the integrator cylinder. The detentmechanism' is, also,-connected to shaft Z9 and comprises a cross head gprovided with two sets of pins or stops g 9 located at difierentdistances from the center and one in advance of the other. An armaturelever. h pivoted in the frame and provided with a retracting spring,bears at or near its outer end a stop or shoulder h standing normally inthe path of the rear and outermost pin 9' of each set, and movable,under the influence of the electro magnet e, into the path of the innerand forward pin 9 The electro-magnet e is included in the actuating ormaster circuit and when energized it draws the armature lever toward itthus withdrawing the stop h from in front of the rear pin g andpermitting the motor to advance the integrator cylinder until the innerand foremostpin g of the next set makes contact with stop h and thusarrests the motion of the train and cylinder. By this time the registerfor the card in the switch has been completed, and the platen is raisedfor the removal of said card and the insertion of another. ing of theplaten opens the actuating or master circuit, and the armature leverbeing released is thrown back into position to again engage therearmost' and outer pin 9 thus permitting the cylinder to advance thedistance between the two pins, but no farther. The intervals or spacesbetween adjacent series of contact bars I) may be made somewhat widerthan between theindividual bars of the series, to accommodate the extramotion of the cylinder when the stop passes from the front to the rearpin, it being understood that at such time the contacts b+b are removedfrom the bars or contacts on the cylinder and no current is passing.

Other or equivalent forms of motor and detent mechanism can readily beapplied in lieu of that shown, the principle involved in my inventioncontemplating the use of an ade-- The raisunits of another, according toa prearranged plan of division carried out in the punching of the recordcards or strips; it being understood that the record card or strip,whether containing representations of one or more distinct seriesofcomputations, is to be of such dimensions as to cover the switchplate.

Assuming for convenience of description that groups 4:, 5 and 6 only areto be employed, and that the perforations in the record card indicate562. When the record card is placed in'position in the switch, all ofthe contacts a will be covered except the one in group 5", oppositecontact in group 4; one in group .6" opposite contact in group 5; andone in group 2 opposite contact in group 6. record card being properlyplaced the platen of the switch is depressed, with the result of closingthe circuits between contact b and register magnet of group 4; betweencontact 12 and register magnet of group 5; and between contact 12 andregister magnet of group 6; at the same time the gage contacts 3, and 27will be closed in actuating circuit. No current will however flow overany of the circuits named until, by a further movement of the platen,the actuating or master circuit is closed at 28. As soon as this takesplace the detent is shifted and the integrator is set in motion; duringits excursion contact b will .be engaged five times, contact b? sixtimes and contact b twice, thus producing in r the electro-magnet ofgroup 4 five electrical pulsations, in group 5 six, and in group 6 two,thus adding 5 on the hundreds register, 6 on the tons register and 2 onthe units register.

It is frequently of advantage to preserve a record of the number ofcards or strips which pass through the switch mechanism. 'arate registervand electro-magnet M is employed for this purpose, and is placed inconnection with contact b of the integrator through connected contactpoints 1, 2, on the platen co-operating with opposite contacts on thebed plate. This register does not record the-number of times the platenof the switch is depressed, for that operation by'itself is insuflicientto afiect the register ;but it registers the total number of movementsof the integrator and is actuated from the switch, hence it registersthetotal number of registrations or computations effected through theinstrumentality of the integrator.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new is 1. In asystem, such as described, provided with an integrator and a switchmechanism controlling the circuits operated upon by the integrator, thecombination therewith of actuating devices governing the movements ofThe A' septhe integrator, said actuating devices being controlled, intheir application by the movements of the switch-mechanism, whereby thecircuit connections are established and the integrator putin action byor from the switch mechanism; substantially as described.

'2. In a system, such as described, the combination of an integratorprovided with a movable section or part arranged to operate upon' orthrough a series of circuit connections, to produce in each circuit adifierent number of electrical impulses; a motor for driving the movablesection of the intergrator; a series of registers; a switch mechanismcontrolling the circuit connections between the registers andintegrator, including movable and fixed contacts and a perforated recordcard or strip;

and a-master or actuating circuit controlled from the switch mechanismand provided with.

starting devices for inaugurating the movement of the integrator;substantially as described.

3. In a system, such as described and in combination with theintegrators, the registering devices, and a switch mechanism operated bya record card or strip to set the cirated to close said circuit andstart the integrator after the switch mechanism has set the circuitconnections, substantially as described.

5. In a system, such as described, the combination of the integratorprovided with a movable section; a switch mechanism controlling thecircuit connections with said integrator and provided with a movableplaten I or section carrying a series of contacts orcontact actuatingdevices; a motor for the integrator; a master circuit containing devicesfor controlling the motion of the integrator;

and a contact carried or actuated by the movable section of the switchand operating to close the master circuit and start the integrator afterthe circuit connections have been established through or by means of theswitch mechanism; substantially as described.

6. In a system, such as described, the com- I bination with electricallyoperated registering devices, an integrator, and-a switch mechanismintermediate the registers and integrator and controlling the circuitconnections between the series of contact breakers of the integrator andthe several registers through the medium of a perforated record-card orstrip, of a motor device controlled by the switch mechanism andoperating to throw the integrator into action; substantially asdescribed.

7. In a switching mechanism, such as described, the combination with thebed plate and its contacts, the movable platen carrying the series ofgroups of contacts, and the perforated record card or strip, of theregister circuits or conductors connected to their respective groups ofcontacts through contacts carried by the platen and engaging contacts onthe bed plate, the latter forming terminals of said registeringcircuits; substantially as described. I

8. In a switch mechanism, such as described, the combination with thebed plate provided with a series of groups of contacts, a movable platenprovided with a second series of groups of contacts, a perforatedrecordcard or strip for controlling connection between the oppositegroups of contacts, gages for locating two sides of the record card, andcontact gages carried by the platen and cooperating with contacts on thebed plate beyond the edges of the record-card, said contact gages beingarranged in a circuit controllingv the operating circuits through theswitch, and operating to arrest or prevent the passage of a current whenthe record card is not properly positioned, substantially as described.

9. In a system, such'as described, the combination with an integrator, aswitch mechanism provided with two series of groups of contacts, ofwhich one series of groups is movable relatively to the other; circuitconnections between one series of groups of contacts and the contacts ofthe integrator on the one side, and between the other series of groupsand the registers on the other; and a perforated record card interposedbetween and determining connection between the contacts, of a mastercircuit including devices for starting the integrator; and gage contactscarried by the movable sections of the switch and controlling the mastercircuit; substantially as described.

10. In a system, such as described, the combination of the integrator;the registers; the switch mechanism intermediatethe registers andintegrator; the record-card; the master circuit controlling theintegrator; the gagecontacts; and the circuit closer for the mastercircuit.

11. In asystem, such as described, the combination with integrator;registers; switch mechanism operated by record-card;'and m otor forintegrator controlled by master circuit;

of the card counter or register located/in a circuit controlled by theswitch'mecbanism and receiving its electrical impulses from the unitcontact of the integrator through WhlCh the circuit is completed;substantially as described.

12. In an integrating apparatus, such as described, the combination withthe series of fixed independent contacts or brushes, of the movablesection provided with graduated series of contacts bearing successivelyon an equal number of the fixed contacts but engaging each of the lattera different number of times, whereby the same number of fixed contactswill be caused to engage the contacts of the movable series each timecontact is established between the two series, and, at the same time,each of the fixed contacts will be caused to engage in the aggregate aditt'erent number of the movable contacts thus equalizing the frictionalresistance and producing a graduated series of electrical impulses,substantially as described.

13. In an integrating apparatus,suoh as described, the combination withthe fixed and movable contacts, of a motor or propelling device actingcontinuously upon the movable section of the integrator, an arm providedwith two stop pins located in different planes, a detent lying normallyin the path of one of said stop pins and movable into the path of theother stop pin, and an electro-magnet controlling the movement of saiddetent; substantially as described.

HERMAN HOLLERITI-I.

Witnesses:

ANNA KELLY,

THOMAS DURANT.

